Himachal Pradesh Tragedy: 18 Dead After Landslide Buries Passenger Bus in Bilaspur; PM Modi, President Murmu Express Deep Grief

A devastating tragedy struck Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday morning when a massive landslide buried a passenger bus in Bilaspur district, leaving at least 18 people dead and several others injured.

The incident occurred near Bhallu Bridge on the banks of Shukra Khad in Barthin, when debris from a hillside suddenly collapsed onto a private Santosh bus travelling from Marotan to Ghumarwin.

According to local officials, the landslide struck around 6:30 AM, ripping off the bus roof and sending it tumbling towards the edge of the gorge. The heavy debris completely engulfed the vehicle, trapping dozens of passengers inside. Rescue workers have so far recovered 18 bodies from the wreckage, while three children — two girls and one boy — were pulled out alive. Tragically, the mother of one of the rescued girls died in the accident. The survivors are currently receiving treatment at Barthin Hospital.

Authorities estimate that around 35 passengers were on board at the time of the disaster. Both the driver and conductor are among the deceased. Efforts are ongoing to identify the victims.

CM Sukhvinder Sukhu: “State Government Standing Strong With Victims’ Families”

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the accident and assured that the state government will extend all possible support to the affected families. He instructed officials to expedite rescue and relief operations and ensure that all injured are promptly transported to hospitals for treatment. “The state government stands firmly with the families during this difficult time,” he said, while closely monitoring the situation from Shimla.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri immediately left an event in Kullu to reach the accident site.

Leaders Across Party Lines Express Condolences

Prominent political leaders, including BJP National President J.P. Nadda, former Chief Ministers Jai Ram Thakur and Prem Kumar Dhumal, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, offered their condolences and prayers for the victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heart-wrenching,” offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. The Prime Minister’s Office announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

“Deeply saddened by the tragedy in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” PM Modi wrote on social media.

President Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah Mourn the Loss

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed deep grief over the incident, calling the news of multiple deaths “extremely distressing.” “My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I wish a speedy recovery to all those injured,” she said.

Home Minister Amit Shah stated that he was “deeply pained” by the incident and confirmed that NDRF teams were on-site carrying out rescue operations.

Priyanka Gandhi: “Congress Government Working on War Footing”

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also offered condolences, stating that the state government is working “on a war footing” to provide relief and assistance. “May God grant peace to the departed souls and strength to their families in this hour of grief,” she said.

Bureau Report : Khabar 24 Express

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